Magnetically Actuated Reciprocating Motor and Process Using Reverse Magnetic Switching

ABSTRACT

A magnetically actuated reciprocating motor utilizes the stored energy of rare earth magnets and an electromagnetic field provided by a solenoid to reciprocally drive a solenoid assembly. A converting mechanism, such as a connecting rod and crankshaft, converts the reciprocating motion of the solenoid assembly to power a work object. The solenoid assembly comprises a solenoid having a nonferromagnetic spool with a tubular center section and a coil of wire wrapped around the center section. A magnetic actuator has a permanent magnet at each end of an elongated shaft that is received through the center section of the spool. A switching mechanism switches magnetic polarity at the ends of the solenoid so the solenoid assembly is alternatively repelled and attracted by the permanent magnets. A controlling mechanism interconnecting an output shaft and the switching mechanism provides the timing to switch the polarity of the solenoid and reciprocate the solenoid assembly.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 12/832,928 filed Jul. 8, 2010.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH

Not Applicable.

REFERENCE TO A SEQUENCE LISTING, A TABLE OR A COMPUTER PROGRAM LISTINGAPPENDIX SUBMITTED ON A COMPACT DISC

Not Applicable.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A. Field of the Invention

The field of the present invention relates generally to reciprocatingmotors which utilize a drive mechanism to provide power to an outputshaft or crankshaft. More particularly, the present invention relates tosuch motors in which the magnetic repelling and attracting forces ofpermanent magnets are utilized to reciprocate a solenoid assembly. Evenmore particularly, the present invention relates to such motors in whichthe change in direction of the solenoid assembly is obtained byswitching the polarity of a solenoid to alternatively repel and attractthe solenoid assembly away from or toward the permanent magnets.

B. Background

Reciprocating motors have been and continue to be used in virtuallyevery available mode of transportation and for all types of power supplyneeds throughout the entire world. Generally, reciprocating motors havea piston slidably disposed in a cylinder and utilize a driving force todrive the piston in one or both directions inside the cylinder so as torotate an output shaft, such as a crankshaft. The most commonly utilizedreciprocating motor is an internal combustion engine. The typicalinternal combustion engine comprises a series of cylinders each having apiston reciprocating inside to drive a crankshaft in order to producemotion or power. Air and fuel are combined in the piston chamber,defined inside the cylinder by the top of the piston, and ignited by aspark from a spark plug to provide an explosive driving force thatdrives the piston downward. The fuel and air are fed into the pistonchamber through an intake valve and, after combustion, exhaust air isforced out through an exhaust valve. To obtain proper performance of thefuel/air igniting sequence, the valve activating mechanism must open andclose the intake and exhaust valves at the proper times. Due torelatively high engine operating speeds, this process happens at a veryfast rate. Due to their extensive use, the internal combustion enginehas been the subject of intensive efforts in the United States and mostindustrialized countries since the beginning of their utilization toimprove the engine's operating characteristics. Despite these efforts,internal combustion engines are well known for relatively inefficientutilization of fuel, such as gasoline and other products made from oil,and being significant contributors to the air pollution problems thatexist in most cities and towns. As such, the continued use of internalcombustion engines is recognized by many persons as a significant drawon the Earth's limited natural resources and a substantial threat tohuman health.

Other types of reciprocating devices are also well known. For instance,electromagnetic reciprocating engines utilize electromagnetic force asthe driving force to move the piston inside the cylinder and rotate theoutput shaft. A typical configuration for such engines comprises aplurality of electromagnets disposed around the cylinder that areactuated by electrical currents to provide the electromagnetic forcenecessary to drive the piston in a reciprocating motion in the cylinder.It is well known that this type of electromagnetic engine must have asomewhat large supply of electrical current to power the electromagnetsand typically requires a complex control mechanism to provide theelectrical current to the electromagnets in a manner required to operatethe engine. For these and other practical reasons, electromagneticreciprocating engines have generally not become very well accepted.

Another source of power that has been utilized to reciprocate a pistoninside a cylinder is the magnetic energy stored in permanent magnets. Asis well known, when the same polarity ends of two magnets are placednear each other the repulsion force of the two magnetic fields willrepel the magnets and, conversely, when the opposite polarity ends oftwo magnets are placed near each other the attraction force of themagnetic fields will attract the magnets toward each other, assuming oneor both of the magnets are allowed to move. A known advantage ofutilizing permanent magnets as the driving force for a reciprocatingmotor is that the energy available from these magnets is relativelyconstant and capable of providing a long operating life. In order to usepermanent magnets to reciprocally drive a piston inside a cylinder,however, a mechanism must be provided that first utilizes the advantageof dissimilar polarity to attract the piston to the permanent magnet andthen utilize the advantage of similar polarity to drive the piston awayfrom the permanent magnet. Naturally, this must be done in a very rapidmanner at the proper time. The difficulties with being able to rapidlyswitch polarity when using permanent magnets, as opposed toelectromagnetic force, has heretofore substantially limited the abilityto utilize the advantages of permanent magnets as a driving force toreciprocate a piston in a cylinder so as to rotate an output shaft forthe purposes of motion or the generation of electricity.

Over the years, various reciprocating devices that utilize permanentmagnets as the driving force to reciprocate a piston or other actuatingdevices, to one extent or another, have been patented. For instance,U.S. Pat. No. 3,676,719 to Pecci discloses a electromagnetic motorhaving an electromagnetic solenoid, located within a concentriccounterbore, having a coil disposed about an inner sleeve andelectromagnetic insulating end walls at the ends thereof. A ferrousmetal core is slidably received in the inner sleeve and reciprocates inresponse to the electromagnetic force to rotate a drive shaft. U.S. Pat.No. 3,811,058 to Kiniski discloses a reciprocating device having anopen-bottomed cylinder having a piston made out of magnetic material,with a predetermined polarity, slidably disposed in the cylinderchamber. A disc rotatably mounted to the engine block below the cylinderhas at least one permanent magnet, of like polarity, on the surfacefacing the open bottom of the cylinder such that the rotation of thedisc periodically aligns the permanent magnet with the piston so therepulsive force therebetween causes the piston to reciprocate in thecylinder chamber. U.S. Pat. No. 3,967,146 to Howard discloses a magneticmotion conversion motor having permanent magnets arranged with likepoles facing each other and a magnetic flux field suppressor disposedbetween the magnets for repeatedly causing a magnetic repelling andattracting action as it is moved into alignment between the like polesof the magnets. The magnets reciprocally drive piston rods connected tocrankshafts that are connected to a common drive shaft, as the mainoutput shaft. U.S. Pat. No. 4,317,058 to Blalock discloses anelectromagnetic reciprocating engine having a nonferromagnetic cylinderwith a permanent magnetic piston reciprocally disposed therein and anelectromagnet disposed at the outer end of the cylinder. A switchingdevice, interconnecting the electromagnet to an electrical power source,causes the electromagnet to create an electrical field that reciprocatesthe piston within the cylinder. U.S. Pat. No. 4,507,579 to Turnerdiscloses a reciprocating piston electric motor having a magnetic pistonslidably disposed in a nonmagnetic cylinder that has wire coils wrappedaround the ends thereof that are electrically activated to reciprocatethe piston inside the cylinder to drive a crankshaft connected to thepiston by a piston rod. U.S. Pat. No. 5,457,349 to Gifford discloses areciprocating electromagnetic engine having fixed magnets mounted in thepiston that intermittently attract and repel sequentially energizedelectromagnets that are radially mounted in the cylinder walls. Acomputerized control mechanism regulates the timing of theelectromagnets to reciprocate the piston and drive a rotatablecrankshaft. U.S. Pat. No. 6,552,450 to Harty, et al. discloses areciprocating engine having a piston, which is reciprocally disposed ina cylinder, that is driven by opposing electromagnets connected with thepiston and cylinder. A polarity switching mechanism switches polarity toreciprocate the piston. U.S. Pat. No. 7,557,473 to Butler discloses anelectromagnetic reciprocating engine comprising an electromagnet withopposing magnetic poles disposed between permanent magnets mounted oneither ends of a moving frame connected to a crankshaft. Magneticattraction and repulsion forces are used to reciprocate the frame androtate the crankshaft.

One of the major disadvantages associated with previously disclosed orpresently available permanent magnet reciprocating motors is thatmechanism for switching polarity to reciprocally drive the piston in thecylinder generally utilizes one or more electromagnets, some of whichhave a complicated switching mechanism that interconnects a power sourcewith the electromagnets. A significant problem with the use of anelectromagnet to reciprocate a piston to or away from a permanent magnetis that the force field of the permanent magnet is strongly attracted tothe iron core of the electromagnet. This strong magnetic attractionforce makes it very difficult, if not impossible, for the magneticrepelling force to overcome the attraction between the permanent magnetand the iron core, thereby eliminating the repel step (of theattract/repel action) that is necessary to reciprocate the piston inresponse to the magnetic switching. If the strong magnetic attractionbetween the permanent magnet and the iron core can be overcome, itrequires an excessive amount of energy for the electromagnet. Otherdevices utilize an electric motor or other prime mover to rotate orpivot a member having the permanent magnets so as to periodicallyattract or repel magnets on the piston to provide the force necessaryfor reciprocating the piston. Naturally, the use of an external primemover substantially reduces the energy efficiency of the magneticallyactuated reciprocating motor and, therefore, one of the primary benefitsof such motors. Another major disadvantage that is associated withpresently available magnetically actuated reciprocating motors is thatthe switching mechanisms are generally somewhat complicated and subjectto malfunction or cessation of operation.

The present inventor is also the inventor of co-pending U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 11/356,372 (published as U.S. Publication No.2006/0131887 on Jun. 22, 2006), which describes a magnetically actuatedreciprocating motor utilizing a magnetic switching device having amagnetic fixture with at least two rare earth magnets positioned suchthat an opposite magnetic polarity of each magnet is directed toward thehead of a reciprocating piston magnet having a magnetic polarity that isdirected toward the magnetic fixture. The reciprocating motion of thepiston rotates an output shaft that operatively connects to androtatably drives a controlling mechanism that attaches to the magneticfixture in a manner that switches which magnet, and therefore whichmagnetic polarity, is directed toward the piston to attract or repel thepiston, rotate a crankshaft and accomplish useful work. The presentinventor is also the inventor of co-pending U.S. patent application Ser.No. 12/832,928 (hereinafter, the “'928 Application”) that describes amagnetically actuated motor which utilizes an electrically chargedsolenoid to provide electromagnetic force and reciprocatively move anelongated magnetic actuator having a permanent magnet at each of itsends. The coil of the solenoid is wrapped around a nonferrous spool thatis fixedly held in position and the shaft of the actuator linearly movesinside the spool in response to one of the permanent magnets of themagnetic actuator being repelled by the solenoid while the otherpermanent magnet is being drawn toward the solenoid as a result of thepolarity of the electromagnetic force at the ends of the coil beingalternated by a switching device connecting the coil with a source ofpower. Reciprocation of the magnetic actuator drives an output shaftthat rotates a work object. The magnetically actuated reciprocatingmotor of the '928 Application does not utilize an electromagnet and, asa result, eliminates the problems associated with the permanent magnetsbeing attracted to the iron core of the electromagnet.

Despite the foregoing, what is needed is an improved magneticallyactuated reciprocating motor that has an improved reverse magneticswitching mechanism for switching magnetic polarities and driving aconnecting rod that rotatably drives an output shaft. As with the '928Application an improved reciprocating motor should not utilize an ironcore electromagnet in magnetically cooperation with permanent magnets soas to eliminate the excessive attraction that can occur between thepermanent magnets and the iron core electromagnet. The reciprocatingmotor should not use a prime mover or the like to reciprocate permanentmagnets from an attracting position to a repelling position so as toreciprocally drive a piston disposed in a cylinder. The preferredreciprocating motor should be relatively simple to operate, require alimited number of moving components and be relatively inexpensive tomanufacture. The preferred reciprocating motor should connect to acrankshaft or other output shaft to produce rotary power and beadaptable to a wide variety of reciprocating motor uses, includingvehicle motion and power generation.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The magnetically actuated reciprocating motor of the present inventionsolves the problems and provides the benefits identified above. That isto say, the present invention discloses a new and improved reciprocatingmotor comprising a fixed elongated magnetic actuator having an axiallycharged permanent magnet at each end of a shaft and a solenoid assemblyhaving a solenoid made up of a wire coil that is wrapped around anonferrous spool having an open center to provide an axially chargedmagnetic field. The fixed shaft of the magnetic actuator is received inthe open center of the spool in a manner that allows the solenoidassembly to reciprocate relative to the magnetic actuator. The magneticpolarities of the ends of the solenoid are rapidly switched such thatone end of the solenoid, and therefore the solenoid assembly, is beingattracted to the magnet at one end of the shaft while the other end ofthe solenoid is being repelled by the magnet at the opposite end of theshaft. As a result, the solenoid alternates between being magneticallyattracted to or repelled by each permanent magnet to reciprocate thesolenoid assembly up and down the shaft and drive an output shaft thatis operatively connected to the moving solenoid assembly. As with the'928 Application, the magnetically actuated reciprocating motor of thepresent invention does not utilize an electromagnet. This arrangementeliminates the problems associated with the permanent magnets beingattracted to the iron core of an electromagnet, which can result insignificant loss of efficiency and non-movement of the solenoid. Themagnetically actuated reciprocating motor of the present invention doesnot rely on an external source of power, such as a prime mover or thelike, to pivot, rotate or otherwise move the permanent magnets from anattracting position to a repelling position in order to reciprocallydrive the magnetic actuator. The new reciprocating motor is relativelysimple to operate, requires a limited number of moving components and isbelieved to be relatively inexpensive to manufacture. The magneticallyactuated reciprocating motor of the present invention drives acrankshaft so as to produce rotary power that is adaptable to a widevariety of reciprocating motor uses, including electrical powergeneration and vehicle motion.

In one general aspect of the present invention, the magneticallyactuated reciprocating motor comprises a frame, a magnetic actuatorfixedly supported by the frame, a solenoid assembly reciprocativelydisposed relative to the magnetic actuator, a source of powerelectrically connected to a solenoid supported by the solenoid assembly,a switching mechanism that electrically interconnects the source ofpower and solenoid, a mechanism operatively connected to the solenoidassembly for converting reciprocating movement of the magnetic actuatorto rotate a work object, such as flywheel, attached to an output shaftand a mechanism that interconnects an output shaft with the switchingmechanism for controlling operation and timing of the switchingmechanism. The source of power, such as a rechargeable battery,energizes the solenoid to produce axially charged electromagnetic fieldsat opposite ends of the solenoid and reciprocate the solenoid assemblyrelative to the fixed magnetic actuator. In one embodiment, the framedefines a chamber and the magnetic actuator is supported by the frame inthe chamber. In another embodiment, the frame is a housing thatsubstantially encloses the motor of the present invention.

The solenoid has a first end, an opposite directed second end, a spoolwith a tubular center section disposed between its first end and secondend and a coil of wire wrapped around the center section. The centersection of the spool has a generally open center therethrough whichreceives a portion of the magnetic actuator. The spool is made out ofone or more nonferromagnetic materials. Unlike electromagnets, thesolenoid of the present invention does not have a ferromagnetic core.The solenoid is configured to have a first polarity at the first end anda second polarity at the second end in its first energized state andhave the second polarity at the first end and the first polarity at thesecond end in its second energized state. The switching mechanismalternatively switches the solenoid between the first energized stateand the second energized state. The magnetic actuator has an elongatedshaft with a first end and a second end, a first permanent magnet at thefirst end of the shaft and a second permanent magnet at the second endof the shaft. The shaft is received in the open center of the spool. Thefirst permanent magnet has an end disposed toward the first end of thesolenoid that is magnetically charged with an actuator polarity that isone of the first polarity and the second polarity. The second permanentmagnet has and end disposed toward the second end of the solenoid thatis also magnetically charged with the actuator polarity. In a preferredembodiment, the mechanism for converting the reciprocating movement ofthe magnetic actuator to rotate the work object defines a first outputshaft and a second output shaft and the mechanism that controls theoperation and timing of the switching mechanism is preferably a camattached to the first output shaft. The flywheel or other work objectcan be attached to the second output shaft.

In a preferred embodiment, the shaft has a tubular chamber, the firstpermanent magnet has a first extension member with an inward endextending into the tubular chamber from the first end of the shaft andthe second permanent magnet has a second extension member with an inwardend extending into the tubular chamber from the second end of the shaft.The inward end of the first extension member is disposed in spaced apartrelation with the inward end of the second extension member to define agap between the two extension members in the tubular chamber of theshaft. This configuration has been found to improve the performance ofthe motor of the present invention.

As stated above, the solenoid comprises a coil made up of a wire,preferably a copper wire with a thin enamel-based insulated covering,wrapped around the center section of the spool to provide, whenenergized, an axially charged electromagnetic field. The coil has alongitudinal axis that is defined by the tubular-shaped center section,which has the open center that allows the solenoid assembly toreciprocate over the shaft of the magnetic actuator. The shaft of themagnetic actuator has a longitudinal axis that is in axial alignmentwith the longitudinal axis of the coil. In the preferred embodiment, thepermanent magnets at each end of the shaft are axially aligned with thelongitudinal axis of both the shaft and the coil. Each of the permanentmagnets has an actuator polarity, which is the same for both magnets,that is axially directed toward the solenoid coil disposed between thetwo magnets. When the coil is energized, it produces opposite magneticpolarity, a first polarity and a second polarity, at the two ends of thesolenoid. The polarity at each end of the solenoid is axially directedtowards the actuator polarity of their respective opposing permanentmagnet. In operation, the switching mechanism periodically switches thepolarity at the ends of the solenoid to alternatively repel and attractthe solenoid assembly from/to the magnets at the ends of the magneticactuator. As one permanent magnet attracts its respective end of thesolenoid, the other permanent magnet repels its respective end of thesolenoid. This alternating attract and repel action reciprocates thesolenoid assembly to operate the work objective, such as a flywheel, toobtain the desired work output for the motor of the present invention.In a preferred embodiment, a cam connected to an output shaft interactswith the switching mechanism to provide the necessary timing for thereverse magnetic switching that operates the motor. Other controllingmechanisms, which may or may not be operated by an output shaft, can beutilized to operate the switching mechanism and provide the reversemagnetic switching timing.

In contrast to the '928 Application, in which the solenoid is heldstationary and the magnetic actuator reciprocates relative to thesolenoid, in the present invention the solenoid (as part of the solenoidassembly) reciprocates around the shaft of the stationary magneticactuator. In one embodiment, a magnet frame is utilized at each of thepermanent magnets to interconnect the magnets with the frame and fix themagnetic actuator. The present embodiment has the advantage of allowingheavier permanent magnets without the loss of energy that would beotherwise associated with reciprocating those magnets. As well known inthe art, heavier weight magnets generally provide greater magneticforce, which can then be converted into increased work output by themotor of the present invention.

Accordingly, the primary objective of the present invention is toprovide a magnetically actuated reciprocating motor using reversemagnetic switching that provides the advantages discussed above andovercomes the disadvantages and limitations associated with presentlyavailable magnetically powered reciprocating motors.

It is also an important object of the present invention to provide amagnetically actuated reciprocating motor that utilizes electromagneticforce to reciprocate an electrically charged solenoid relative to afixed elongated magnetic actuator having a permanent magnet at each endthereof to drive an output shaft and to generate electricity, propel avehicle, drive a pump or accomplish other motor uses.

It is also an important object of the present invention to provide amagnetically actuated reciprocating motor that utilizes electromagneticforce to alternatively attract and repel a solenoid relative to a pairof oppositely positioned permanent magnets mounted at the ends of ashaft received through the solenoid that does not utilize anelectromagnet so as to eliminate attraction between the permanentmagnets and the iron core of the electromagnet.

It is also an object of the present invention to provide a magneticallyactuated reciprocating motor that utilizes a magnetic actuator havingpermanent magnets at the opposite ends of a shaft linearly disposedinside a solenoid comprising a nonferrous spool having an open center ofaround which is wrapped the solenoid coil to provide electromagneticforce to reciprocatively drive the solenoid over the shaft of the fixedmagnetic actuator and rotate a crankshaft operatively connected to thesolenoid.

It is also an object of the present invention to provide a magneticallyactuated reciprocating motor that does not require utilization of aprime mover or the like to provide the magnetic switching necessary tomagnetically reciprocate a solenoid and drive an output shaft connectedthereto.

The above and other objectives of the present invention will beexplained in greater detail by reference to the attached figures and thedescription of the preferred embodiment which follows. As set forthherein, the present invention resides in the novel features of form,construction, mode of operation and combination of processes presentlydescribed and understood by the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the drawings which illustrate the preferred embodiments and the bestmodes presently contemplated for carrying out the present invention:

FIG. 1 is a side view of a magnetically actuated reciprocating motorconfigured according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional front view of the magnetically actuatedreciprocating motor of FIG. 1 taken through line 2-2 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a top view of the magnetically actuated reciprocating motor ofFIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a side view of the magnetically actuated reciprocating motorof FIG. 1 shown without the housing;

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional front view of the magnetically actuatedreciprocating motor of FIG. 4 taken through line 5-5 of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a front view of a series of connected magnetically actuatedreciprocating motors configured according to an embodiment of thepresent invention showing the motor through a complete cycle ofoperation with the permanent magnets positioned with the magnetic polehaving a S polarity directed toward the axially charged electromagneticfield of the solenoid;

FIG. 7 is a front view of a series of connected magnetically actuatedreciprocating motors configured according to an embodiment of thepresent invention showing the motor through a complete cycle ofoperation with the permanent magnets positioned with the magnetic polehaving a N polarity directed toward the axially charged electromagneticfield of the solenoid;

FIG. 8 is a side view of one embodiment of the magnetic actuator andsolenoid utilized with the magnetically actuated reciprocating motor ofthe present invention;

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional side view of the magnetic actuator andconnecting rod connector of FIG. 8 taken through line 9-9 of FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is a side view of the preferred embodiment of the magneticactuator and solenoid utilized with the magnetically actuatedreciprocating motor of the present invention;

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional side view of the magnetic actuator of FIG.10 taken through line 11-11 of FIG. 10;

FIG. 12 is an exploded side perspective view of the magnetic actuator ofFIG. 10;

FIG. 13 is an exploded side perspective view of the solenoid assemblyutilized with the preferred embodiment of the magnetically actuatedreciprocating motor of the present invention;

FIG. 14 is a side view of the magnetic actuator, solenoid assembly andconnecting rod assembly of the embodiment of the magnetically actuatedreciprocating motor of the present invention shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 15 is an exploded side perspective view of the magnetic actuator,solenoid assembly and connecting rod assembly shown in FIG. 14; and

FIG. 16 is a schematic of the electrical system for the solenoid used ina preferred embodiment of the magnetically actuated reciprocating motorof the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

With reference to the figures where like elements have been given likenumerical designations to facilitate the reader's understanding of thepresent invention, the preferred embodiments of the present inventionare set forth below. The enclosed text and drawings are merelyillustrative of preferred embodiments and only represent severalpossible ways of configuring the present invention. Although specificcomponents, materials, configurations and uses are illustrated, itshould be understood that a number of variations to the components andto the configuration of those components described herein and in theaccompanying figures can be made without changing the scope and functionof the invention set forth herein. For instance, the figures anddescription provided herein are primarily directed to a single motor,however, those skilled in the art will readily understand that this ismerely for purposes of simplifying the present disclosure and that thepresent invention is not so limited as multiple motors may be utilizedtogether to provide the desired work objective.

A magnetically actuated reciprocating motor that is manufactured out ofthe components and configured pursuant to preferred embodiments of thepresent invention is shown generally as 10 in the figures. As best shownin FIGS. 1 through 3, motor 10 of the present invention generallycomprises a frame 12 defining a chamber 14 therein, a solenoid assembly15 having an axially charged electromagnetic solenoid 16 reciprocallydisposed within the chamber 14, a magnetic actuator 18 fixedly supportedby the frame 12 and partially received through solenoid 16, a switchingmechanism 20 configured to operate (e.g., magnetically switch) thesolenoid 16, a source of power 22 (shown in FIG. 16) that supplieselectrical power to the solenoid 16 and a reciprocating convertingmechanism 24 that is connected to the solenoid assembly 15 to convertthe reciprocating motion of the solenoid assembly 15 to operate a workobject 26, such as the flywheel shown in the figures. As well known inthe art, the work object 26 can be operatively connected to a pump,generator, vehicle or other mechanical device for accomplishing usefulwork, such as generating electricity or propelling a vehicle.

As explained in more detail below, during operation of motor 10 thesolenoid 16 is energized to provide an axially charged magnetic fieldwith opposing magnetic poles at the opposite ends of the solenoid 16such that it will be magnetically repelled by or attracted to thepermanent magnets, identified as first permanent magnet 28 and secondpermanent magnet 30, on the magnetic actuator 18 so as to reciprocatethe solenoid assembly 15 inside housing 12 relative to the magneticactuator 18 and rotate work object 26. In a preferred embodiment, frame12 is configured as a housing that substantially or entirely enclosesthe remaining components of motor 10 of the present invention. Unlike aninternal combustion engine, however, it is not necessary that frame 12be configured to provide a sealed, enclosed chamber 14, as no combustiongases or other pressure inducing mechanism is utilized in motor 10 toreciprocally move the solenoid assembly 15. Instead, motor 10 of thepresent invention utilizes the magnetic repelling and attracting forcebetween the axially charged solenoid 16 and the permanent magnets 28/30to reciprocate the solenoid assembly 15 and drive work object 26.Preferably, frame 12, solenoid assembly 15 and magnetic actuator 18 arecooperatively configured such that the travel of the solenoid assembly15 in chamber 14 is accomplished with a minimum amount of friction toreduce loss of power produced by motor 10. Because motor 10 of thepresent invention does not utilize gasoline or other fossil fuel basedenergy sources for its operation, the motor 10 does not require the useof these limited resources or generate the polluting exhaust gases thatare a well known problem of internal combustion engines.

Although frame 12 can have a solid wall and entirely enclose the othercomponents of motor 10, as shown in FIGS. 1 through 3, thisconfiguration is not necessary and, in fact, may not be preferred due tovarious weight and manufacturing cost considerations. The primarypurpose of an enclosed frame 12 is for safety purposes, namely to avoidinjury to persons or damage to other equipment that may come in contactwith motor 10. If desired, solenoid assembly 15 and reciprocatingconverting mechanism 24 can be entirely exposed. The solenoid 16 andmagnetic actuator 18 should be cooperatively configured so as to directthe movement of the solenoid assembly 15 in a generally linear directionso that as much force as possible is provided to the reciprocatingconverting mechanism 24 to operate work object 26 (i.e., rotate theflywheel). Because motor 10 of the present invention does not rely onthe expansion of compressed gasses for the reciprocation of magneticactuator 18, frame 12 can be configured in many different ways toaccomplish the objectives of the present invention. For instance, in oneembodiment frame 12 is configured in a generally open cage orsleeve-like configuration. Due to the magnetic forces generated bysolenoid 16 and the permanent magnets 28/30, as set forth below, frame12 should be made out of nonferromagnetic material, such as aluminum,ceramic, carbon fiber, plastics, thermoplastic resins (such as nylon andpolyfluroethylene), carbon composites and a variety of non-magneticmaterials. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, frame 12is made out of Delrin®. As will be readily understood by those skilledin the art, frame 12 can be configured in a variety of different sizesand shapes, including having a round, square, rectangle or ovalcross-section.

As stated above, the solenoid 16 of motor 10 is configured to provide anaxially charged electromagnetic field that has poles with opposingpolarities at the opposite ends thereof. Unlike prior art magneticallyactuated electromagnetic motors, the solenoid 16 of motor 10 is not anelectromagnet and does not have an iron or iron-based core. Incooperation with the switching mechanism 20 and the source of power 22,solenoid 16 is configured to be alternatively magnetically attracted toand repelled by permanent magnets 28/30 of the magnetic actuator 18 tocause the solenoid assembly 15 to reciprocate and operate the workobject 26 so as to produce power, propel a vehicle or perform otheruseful work. The present inventor has found that the use of anelectromagnet significantly reduces the ability of the solenoid assembly15 to reciprocate due to the strong attraction that would exist betweenthe permanent magnets 28/30 and the electromagnet's iron core, dueprimarily to the strong magnetic field of the permanent magnets 28/30 onthe magnetic actuator 18. This strong attraction would either result inone of the permanent magnets 28/30 being fixedly attracted to theelectromagnet, and therefore eliminate any chance of the solenoidassembly 15 reciprocating, or require too much energy from the source ofpower 22 to overcome, thereby likely making the motor 10 to inefficientto be practical.

In the preferred embodiment, the solenoid 16 comprises a coil 32 formedof wire 34 that is wrapped around the tubular-shaped center section 36of a spool 38 having a generally disk-shaped first end section 40 and agenerally disk-shaped second end section 42, as best shown in FIG. 13.The center section 36 of spool 38 defines a tubular-shaped open center44 through which a portion of magnetic actuator 18 is received to allowthe solenoid assembly 15 to reciprocate relative to the magneticactuator 18, as explained below, when the solenoid 16 is magneticallyacted upon by the permanent magnets 28/30 during operation of motor 10.The wire 34 of coil 32 is wrapped around center section 36 to providethe axially charged magnetic field that is alternatively attracted toand repelled by the permanent magnets 28/30 of the magnetic actuator 18.The coil 32 has a first wire end 46 and a second wire end 48, best shownin FIG. 13, that electrically connect to the source of power 22 via oneor more switches of the switching mechanism 20, as shown in FIG. 16. Theend sections 40/42 of spool 38 are fixed relative to the solenoidassembly 15 and reciprocate therewith. In one embodiment, thereciprocating converting mechanism 24 connects directly to the solenoid16. In a preferred embodiment, however, solenoid assembly 15 has atubular-shaped solenoid housing 130, best shown in FIG. 13, thatinterconnects the spool 38 of solenoid 16 to reciprocating convertingmechanism 24 in order to rotate work object 26 as the solenoid assembly15 reciprocates. The solenoid housing 130 has a first end 132 and asecond end 134 with a center section 136 defined by an inner wall 138therebetween. The end sections 40/42 of spool 38 are received in thecenter section 136 of the solenoid housing 130 and are fixedly attachedto, connected to or integral with the inner wall 138 of the solenoidhousing 130, as best shown in FIGS. 1-2 and 4-5, so solenoid housing 130will reciprocated with the solenoid 16. Different configurations forsolenoid housing 130 are adaptable to the motor 10 of the presentinvention.

In the preferred embodiment, the wire 34 for coil 32 is an insulatedelectrically conductive copper wire, such as enamel coated magnet wire,that has a thin layer of insulated coating. The gauge and length of thewire to provide the desired electromagnetic field will need to beengineered for a specific application of motor 10. In one embodiment,the inventor has utilized approximately 144 feet of 24 gauge wire toprovide approximately 22 layers of wire having approximately 76 turnsper layer (for a total of 1,386 turns) around a center section 36 havingan outside diameter of approximately 0.75 inches and a length of 1.50inches. As will be readily appreciated by those skilled in the art, awide variety of different combinations of wire sizes and coilconfigurations can be utilized for solenoid 16, with the larger gaugesof wire 34 allowing more current to produce additional electromagneticforce at solenoid 15. Spool 38 and solenoid housing 130 should be madeout of a nonferromagnetic material so as to avoid interference with themagnetic field generated by the energized solenoid 16 and permanentmagnets 28/30 of magnetic actuator 18. In a preferred embodiment, thespool 38 and solenoid housing 130 are made out of a thermoplasticmaterial, such as Delrin® or the like. In one embodiment, spool 38 hasan overall length of approximately 2.00 inches with end sections 40/42thereof having a thickness of approximately 0.25 inches each anddiameter of approximately 2.00 inches. In this embodiment, the centersection 36 has an inside diameter of approximately 0.63 inches, whichdefines the open center 44 through which a portion of the magneticactuator 18 is received and around which the solenoid assembly 15reciprocates in response to the alternating magnetic polarities at ornear the first 40 and second 42 end sections of spool 38.

As set forth in more detail below, the switching mechanism 20 of motor10 is configured to switch the polarity at the first end 50 and secondend 52 of solenoid 16 in an alternating manner to provide a firstenergized state 54 and a second energized state 56, as illustrated inFIGS. 6 and 7. In the first energized state 54, the second end 52 ofsolenoid 16 will have a first magnetic polarity 58 (shown as N) and thefirst end 50 of solenoid 16 will have a second magnetic polarity 60(shown as S). In the second energized state 56, the first end 50 ofsolenoid 16 will have the first magnetic polarity 58 and the second end52 of solenoid 16 will have the second magnetic polarity 60. Bothpermanent magnets 28/30 will be positioned such that the downward facingmagnetic polarity, hereinafter referred to as the actuator polarity 61(which will be one of 58 or 60) of one end thereof will be generallydirected toward the first 50 and second 52 ends of solenoid 16 so thatwhen switching mechanism 20 rapidly switches between the solenoid'sfirst energized state 54 and its second energized state 56, the magneticpolarity at the ends 50/52 of solenoid 16 will be in correspondingrelation with actuator polarity 61 (whether 58 or 60) of the facing endof the permanent magnets 28/30 such that the solenoid 16 is magneticallyattracted and repelled the permanent magnets 28/30 to reciprocate thesolenoid assembly 15 relative to the magnetic actuator 18, as shown inthe sequence of operation in FIGS. 6 and 7. As will be readilyappreciated by those skilled in the art, first magnetic polarity 58 andsecond magnetic polarity 60 can be opposite that described above as longas they are opposite each other (to attract or repel as required) andboth permanent magnets 28/30 have the same actuator polarity 61 facingtowards the solenoid 16.

As stated above, a portion of the magnetic actuator 18 of the presentinvention should be sized and configured to be cooperatively receivedinside the open center 44 of center section 36 of the spool 38 ofsolenoid 16 so the solenoid assembly 15 can reciprocate relative tomagnetic actuator 18 with a minimum amount of friction. In the preferredembodiment, magnetic actuator 18 comprises an elongated tubular shaft 62having the first permanent magnet 28 at the first end 64 thereof and thesecond permanent magnet 30 at the second end 66 thereof, as best shownin FIGS. 8 and 9. The shaft 62 interconnects the two permanent magnets28/30 and maintains them in a desired spaced apart relation. The outsidediameter of shaft 62 is sized and configured to be received inside theopen center 44 defined by the center section 36 of spool 38, as bestshown in FIG. 9, so the solenoid assembly 15 may freely reciprocaterelative to magnetic actuator 18 and drive the work object 26. The firstpermanent magnet 28 has a first end 68 and a second end 70 and secondpermanent magnet 30 has a first end 72 and a second end 74. The secondend 70 of the first permanent magnet 28 is at the first end 64 of shaft62 and the first end 72 of the second permanent magnet 30 is at thesecond end 66 of shaft 62. The permanent magnets 28/30 can attach to orotherwise connect with the shaft 62 as may be appropriate for thematerials utilized for these components.

As stated above, the magnetic actuator 18 is held in a fixed positionrelative to frame 12 so the solenoid housing 15 can freely reciprocateover shaft 62 between the first 28 and second 30 permanent magnets. In apreferred embodiment, each permanent magnet 28/30 has a magnet frame 75attached to or integral therewith. The permanent magnets 28/30 arefixedly attached to or integral with magnet frames 75, best shown inFIG. 2, to fixedly secure each of the respective permanent magnet 28/30to frame 12 so as to hold the permanent magnets 28/30, and thereforemagnetic actuator 18, in a fixed position relative to frame 12 and thereciprocating solenoid assembly 15. If desired, frame 12 can beconfigured in a manner such that it only secures and encloses (whetherfully or partially) the permanent magnets 28/30, thereby leaving thesolenoid assembly 15 and the reciprocating converting mechanism 24exposed, to fix the position of the magnetic actuator 18 relative toframe 12. As will be readily appreciated by those skilled in the art,other devices can be utilized to hold the magnetic actuator 18stationary relative to the reciprocating solenoid assembly 15.

In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, first permanentmagnet 28 and second permanent magnet 30 are rare earth magnets, whichare known for their improved magnetic performance and longevity. Assuch, the rare earth magnets provide the characteristics desired foroperation of reciprocating motor 10 of the present invention. In apreferred embodiment, the permanent magnets 28/30 are Grade N42neodymium magnets (NdFeB), such as available from K&J Magnetics ofJamison, Pa., which are magnetically charged through their axis.Alternatively, other rare earth magnets, such as those known as samariummagnets (SmCo), may be utilized with the motor 10 of the presentinvention. Both the types of rare earth magnets identified above are atleast generally adaptable to being manufactured in a variety ofdifferent sizes and shapes, are known to be generally corrosion andoxidation resistant and stable at higher temperatures.

The shaft 62 of the magnetic actuator 18 can be made out of wide varietyof different materials. Although shaft 62 can be manufactured out of anonferromagnetic material, including thermoplastic materials such asDelrin®, in the preferred embodiment the shaft 62 is manufactured from aferrous material, such as case-hardened steel or the like. Utilizing aferrous material for shaft 62 provides a magnetic advantage resultingfrom pulling the magnetic fields of the solenoid 16 and permanentmagnets 28/30 inward toward the center of solenoid 16. Pulling thesemagnetic fields inward results in a stronger, more uniform magneticpull/push effect over the stroke of the solenoid assembly 15, whichimproves the operation and output of the motor 10. Preferably, the shaft62 is ground and finished to eliminate any irregular surfaces andprovide a smooth exterior surface to reduce friction between the shaft62 and the inside surface of the center section 36 of spool 38.

As with the solenoid 16, the permanent magnets 28/30 at the ends ofshaft 62 are axially charged, not diametrically charged. To obtain thenecessary attract and repel action for solenoid assembly 15 in responseto the alternating energized states 54/56 of the solenoid 16, themagnetic polarity at the second end 70 of first permanent magnet 28 andthe magnetic polarity at the first end 72 of second permanent magnet 30must both be the same (i.e., the actuator polarity 61 at both ends 70/72should either be first polarity 58 or second polarity 60) so that one ofthe permanent magnets 28/30 will attract its respective end 50/52 ofsolenoid 16 while the other permanent magnet 28/30 will repel itsrespective end 50/52 of solenoid 16. For instance, in FIG. 6 theactuator polarity 61 is S and in FIG. 7 the actuator polarity is N. Asshown in the second motor 10 from the left of the series of motors inFIGS. 6 and 7 with the solenoid 16 in the first energized state 54, thefirst permanent magnet 28 will repel the solenoid assembly 15 while thesecond permanent magnet 30 attracts solenoid assembly 15, therebypushing and pulling solenoid assembly 15 downward (the down stroke). Asshown in the fourth motor 10 from the left of the series of motors inFIGS. 6 and 7 with solenoid 16 is in its second energized state 56, thefirst permanent magnet 28 will attract the solenoid assembly 15 whilesecond permanent magnet 30 repels the solenoid assembly 15, therebypulling and pushing solenoid assembly 15 upward (the up stroke). Theswitching of the polarity 58/60 of the ends 50/52 of solenoid 16,accomplished by switching mechanism 20, to alternate the solenoid 16between its first 54 and second 56 energized states causes the solenoidassembly 15 to reciprocate relative to the fixed magnetic actuator 18(which is fixedly held in position by the magnetic frames 75 beingconnected to frame 12) to operate work object 26, such as rotating aflywheel to generate electricity, propel a vehicle, pressurize a pump oraccomplish a variety of other work objectives.

The shaft 62 can be a solid member or a hollow tubular member, as shownin FIGS. 9, 11-12 and 15, having an interior tubular chamber 76 definedby the inner wall or walls of shaft 62. In one embodiment, the tubularchamber 76 of shaft 62 aligns with the center aperture 78 of each of thefirst 28 and second 30 permanent magnets, as best shown in FIG. 9. In apreferred embodiment, the shaft 62 has a tubular chamber 76 at least atthe first end 64 and second end 66 thereof and the permanent magnets28/30 are solid and each as an extension member, shown as firstextension member 80 for first permanent magnet 28 and second extensionmember 82 for second permanent magnet 30, that extend into the tubularchamber 76 at the ends 64/66 of shaft 62, as shown in FIGS. 11 and 12.In this embodiment, the tubular chamber 76 at the first 64 and second 66ends of shaft 62 are sized and configured to receive the first 80 andsecond 82 extension members, respectively. The extension members 80/82may attach to, connect to or be made integral with their respective ends70/72 of the first 28 and second 30 permanent magnets. The extensionmembers 80/82 have the same polarity 68/60 as the ends 70/72. In thepreferred embodiment, the first extension member 80 has an inward end 84and the second extension member 82 has an inward end 86 that areinwardly disposed toward each other, namely the inward end 84 of thefirst extension member 82 is directed toward the inward end 86 of thesecond extension member 82, in such a manner as to define a gap 88inside the tubular chamber 76 of shaft 62, as shown in FIGS. 11 and 12.The inventor has found that this configuration provides the bestperformance for motor 10 of the present invention. The length ofextension members 80/82 and the resulting length of gap 88 that providesthe optimum performance will likely depend on the variouscharacteristics, including size and strength, of permanent magnets 28/30and the magnetic field of solenoid 16. In an alternative embodiment (notshown), extension members 80/82 can extend completely toward each other,such that there is no gap 88, or magnets 28/30 can be a single piece.

As set forth above, the solenoid assembly 15 operatively connects to thereciprocating converting mechanism 24 for converting the linearreciprocating movement of the solenoid assembly 15 to rotate work object26 and accomplish the desired work objectives. In a preferredembodiment, housing 130 of solenoid assembly 15 has a pin aperture 90that is utilized, as set forth below, to connect the reciprocatingsolenoid assembly 15 to reciprocating converting mechanism 24, as bestshown in FIGS. 14-15. In the embodiment shown in the figures, thereciprocating converting mechanism 24 is similar to a typicalpiston/crankshaft arrangement comprising a connecting rod assembly 92and crankshaft 94. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention,the connecting rod assembly 92 comprises a pair of spaced apartconnecting rods 92 a/92 b, a transverse member 95 that interconnects thetwo connecting rods 92 a/92 b and maintains them in the desired spacedapart relation and a connecting pin 96 that pivotally connects theconnecting rod assembly 92 to the solenoid assembly 15, as best shown inFIG. 15. The connecting pin 96 is received in the pin aperture 90 onsolenoid housing 130 and in a pin aperture 98 at or near the first end100 of the connecting rod assembly 92 in a manner that interconnects theconnecting rod assembly 92 and solenoid assembly 15 and allows theconnecting rod assembly 92 to pivot relative to the solenoid assembly15. The transverse member 95 is at or near the second end 102 ofconnecting rod assembly 92. A crankshaft aperture 104 in transversemember 95 receives the crankshaft 94. As best shown in FIGS. 2, 3 and 5,crankshaft 94 has first output shaft 106 and a second output shaft 108.In a preferred embodiment, first output shaft 106 supports or attachesto a controlling mechanism, shown generally as 110, for controlling thetiming/operation of the switching mechanism 20 to change the solenoidbetween its first magnetic state 54 and its second magnetic state 56 andreciprocate solenoid assembly 15. In this embodiment, second outputshaft 108 connects to and rotates work object 26. As will be readilyfamiliar to those skilled in the art, appropriate bushings bearings,nuts and other devices must be utilized to secure work object 26 tosecond output shaft 108 such that the rotation of second output shaft108, resulting from the rotation of crankshaft 94 due to thereciprocating motion of the connecting rod assembly 92 connected tosolenoid assembly 15, rotates work object 26 as necessary to ensure thefunction and useful life of motor 10 of the present invention. As alsoknown to those skilled in the art, various other configurations aresuitable for use as reciprocating converting mechanism 24 for convertingthe linear reciprocating motion of solenoid assembly 15 to the desiredrotary motion of work object 26 (e.g., the flywheel).

As set forth above, first output shaft 106 of crankshaft 94 connects tothe controlling mechanism 110 that is utilized to control the timing ofthe reverse magnetic switching of solenoid 16 necessary to obtain thereciprocating motion of the solenoid assembly 15. The interactionbetween controlling mechanism 110 and switching mechanism 20 providesthe magnetic switching that reverses the polarity of the ends 50/52 ofsolenoid 16 directed towards the actuator polarity 61 of the second end70 of first permanent magnet 28 and the actuator polarity 61 of thefirst end 72 of second permanent magnet 30. In the preferred embodimentof reciprocating motor 10 of the present invention, the controllingmechanism 110 is a cam 112 that rotates with the first output shaft 106to operate, as appropriate, switching mechanism 20 to provide thereverse polarity operation necessary to reciprocate magnetic actuator18. Because controlling mechanism 110 connects directly to the firstoutput shaft 106 of crankshaft 94, no external energy source or primemover is necessary to provide the polarity reversing that is essentialto all magnetically actuated reciprocating motors, includingreciprocating motor 10 of the present invention. As the cam 112reciprocates, it operatively contacts the switching mechanism 20 torapidly switch the solenoid 16 between its first energized state 54 andits second energized state 56.

In the preferred embodiment of motor 10 of the present invention, thesource of power 22 provides direct current to the coil 32 of thesolenoid 16 to energize the solenoid 16 and produce the electromagneticfield that provides the alternating first polarity 58 and secondpolarity 60 at the first 50 and second 53 ends of the solenoid 16.Preferably, the first wire end 46 and second wire end 48 connect, viathe switching mechanism 20, to a rechargeable battery (as the source ofpower 22). The rechargeable battery can be charged by the generation ofelectricity from motor 12. The switching mechanism 20 utilizes a pair ofsingle pull double throw switches, shown as 114 and 116 on FIG. 16, thatare activated by the movement of cam 112 to produce a two strokemagnetic force motor 10. The reverse magnetic switching of the axiallycharged solenoid 16 operates in conjunction with the axially chargedpermanent magnets 28/30 to reciprocate the solenoid assembly 15 androtate the work object 24 that is utilized, as described above, toaccomplish a work objective. An on/off switch 118 is used to initiate orcease operation of motor 10.

As best shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the magnetic actuator 18 defines areciprocating support structure for the permanent magnets 28/30 at theopposite ends thereof. The frame 12 fixedly supports the magneticactuator 18, typically be fixing permanent magnets 28/30. Solenoid 16produces an axially charged electromagnetic field when energized by thesource of power 22 via the switching mechanism 20. The permanent magnets28/30 each direct a common actuator polarity 61, such as north (N) orsouth (S), towards the solenoid 16 reciprocatively positioned betweenfixed permanent magnets 28/30 at the opposite ends 64/66 of the shaft 62that interconnects the permanent magnets 28/30. As shown in FIGS. 6 and7, in one embodiment the actuator polarity 61 of the permanent magnets28/30 that is directed toward the solenoid 16 is a first polarity N andin another embodiment the actuator polarity 61 of the permanent magnets28/30 that is directed toward the solenoid 16 is S. Although whetheractuator polarity 61 of the permanent magnets 28/30 is N or S is notspecifically important, it is important that their magnet polarity bethe same and be fixed in either a N or S orientation so that theswitching mechanism 20 can provide the reverse magnetic switching thatreciprocates the solenoid assembly 16 to operate work object 26 toprovide the desired work objective.

In use, the periodic switching of first polarity 58 and second polarity60 at the ends 50/52 of solenoid 16 produces axially chargedelectromagnetic fields directed toward the second end 70 of the firstpermanent magnet 28 and the first end 72 of the second permanent magnet30. The permanent magnets 28/30 will alternatively repel and attract thesolenoid 16 to reciprocate solenoid assembly 15 relative to the fixedmagnetic actuator 18 and frame 12 (which fixedly supports the magneticactuator 18 and crankshaft 94). The reciprocation of the solenoidassembly 15 will, by way of connecting rod assembly 92, rotatably drivecrankshaft 94. The crankshaft 94 which rotatably engages the controllingmechanism 110 at first output shaft 106 to operate the switchingmechanism 20 that provides the timing necessary for the reverse magneticswitching of the solenoid 16 and rotates the work object 26 at thesecond output shaft 108 to accomplish the work objective. As such, themagnetically actuated reciprocating motor 10 of the present inventiondoes not require any external power source or prime mover to provide thepolarity shifting that is necessary for reciprocation of the solenoidassembly 15, thereby making the present motor more efficient and usefulfor obtaining a work output, such as to operate a pump, generator orvehicle. Use of the reciprocating motor 10 of the present inventioneliminates the energy demands and pollution associated with presentlyavailable hydrocarbon fuel-based reciprocating motors.

While there are shown and described herein one or more specific forms ofthe invention, it will be readily apparent to those skilled in the artthat the invention is not so limited, but is susceptible to variousmodifications and rearrangements in design and materials withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the invention. In particular, itshould be noted that the present invention is subject to modificationwith regard to any dimensional relationships set forth herein andmodifications in assembly, materials, size, shape, and use. Forinstance, there are numerous components described herein that can bereplaced with equivalent functioning components to accomplish theobjectives of the present invention.

1. A magnetically actuated reciprocating motor, comprising: a frame; amagnetic actuator fixedly supported by said frame, said magneticactuator having an elongated shaft with a first end and a second end, afirst permanent magnet at said first end of said shaft and a secondpermanent magnet at said second end of said shaft, said first permanentmagnet having an end disposed toward said first end of said solenoidthat is magnetically charged with an actuator polarity that is one of afirst polarity and a second polarity, said second permanent magnethaving and end disposed toward said second end of said solenoid that ismagnetically charged with said actuator polarity; a solenoid assemblyreciprocatively disposed over said shaft of said magnetic actuator, saidsolenoid assembly having a solenoid with a first end and an oppositedirected second end, said solenoid configured to have said firstpolarity at said first end and said second polarity at said second endin a first energized state and said second polarity at said first endand said first polarity at said second end in a second energized state;a source of power connected to said solenoid to electromagneticallyenergize said solenoid; switching means electrically interconnectingsaid source of power and said solenoid for alternatively switching saidsolenoid between said first energized state and said second energizedstate; and means operatively connected to said solenoid assembly forconverting reciprocating movement of said solenoid assembly to rotate awork object, said converting means comprising at least a first outputshaft.
 2. The reciprocating motor according to claim 1, wherein saidsolenoid comprises a spool having a coil of a wire wrapped around acenter section, said center section having a generally open center, saidshaft of said magnetic actuator received through said open center ofsaid coil so as to allow said spool to reciprocate over said shaft. 3.The reciprocating motor according to claim 2, wherein said solenoidassembly further comprises a solenoid housing and said spool furthercomprises a first end section and a second end section, said centersection disposed between said first end section and said second endsection, each of said first end section and said second end sectionfixedly supported by said solenoid housing.
 4. The reciprocating motoraccording to claim 3, wherein said spool of said solenoid is made fromone or more nonferromagnetic materials with no ferromagnetic core. 5.The reciprocating motor according to claim 1, wherein said convertingmeans comprises a connecting rod assembly having a first end and asecond end and a crankshaft defining said first output shaft, said firstend of said connecting rod assembly pivotally attached to said solenoidassembly, said second end of said connecting rod assembly attached tosaid crankshaft and configured to rotate said crankshaft.
 6. Thereciprocating motor according to claim 5, wherein said crankshaftfurther defines a second output shaft, said second output shaftoperatively connected to said work object so as to rotate said workobject.
 7. The reciprocating motor according to claim 1 furthercomprising a means interconnecting said first output shaft with saidswitching means for controlling operation and timing of said switchingmeans.
 8. The reciprocating motor according to claim 7, wherein saidcontrolling means is a cam.
 9. The reciprocating motor according toclaim 1, wherein said shaft has a tubular chamber at least at said firstend and said second end of said shaft, said first permanent magnethaving a first extension member extending into said tubular chamber fromsaid first end of said shaft, said second permanent magnet having asecond extension member extending into said tubular chamber from saidsecond end of said shaft.
 10. The reciprocating motor according to claim9, wherein an inward end of said first extension member is in spacedapart relation with an inward end of said second extension member todefine a gap between said first extension member and said secondextension member in said tubular chamber of said shaft.
 11. Amagnetically actuated reciprocating motor, comprising: a frame; amagnetic actuator fixedly supported by said frame, said magneticactuator having an elongated shaft with a first end and a second end, afirst permanent magnet at said first end of said shaft and a secondpermanent magnet at said second end of said shaft, said first permanentmagnet having an end disposed toward said first end of said solenoidthat is magnetically charged with an actuator polarity that is one of afirst polarity and a second polarity, said second permanent magnethaving and end disposed toward said second end of said solenoid thatmagnetically charged with said actuator polarity; a solenoid assemblyreciprocatively disposed over said shaft of said magnetic actuator, saidsolenoid assembly comprising a solenoid having a first end, an oppositedirected second end, a spool with a center section disposed between saidfirst end and said second end of said solenoid and a coil of wirewrapped around said center section, said center section having agenerally open center therethrough, said shaft of said magnetic actuatorreceived through said open center, said solenoid configured to have saidfirst polarity at said first end and said second polarity at said secondend in a first energized state and said second polarity at said firstend and said first polarity at said second end in a second energizedstate; a source of power electrically connected to said solenoid toenergize said solenoid; switching means electrically interconnectingsaid source of power and said solenoid for alternatively switching saidsolenoid between said first energized state and said second energizedstate; and means operatively connected to said solenoid assembly forconverting reciprocating movement of said solenoid assembly to rotate awork object, said converting means comprising at least a first outputshaft.
 12. The reciprocating motor according to claim 11, wherein saidsolenoid assembly further comprises a solenoid housing, said spool ofsaid solenoid fixedly supported by said solenoid housing.
 13. Thereciprocating motor according to claim 12, wherein said spool of saidsolenoid is made from one or more nonferromagnetic materials with noferromagnetic core.
 14. The reciprocating motor according to claim 11,wherein said converting means comprises a connecting rod assembly havinga first end and a second end and a crankshaft defining said first outputshaft and a second output shaft, said first end of said connecting rodassembly pivotally attached to said solenoid assembly, said second endof said connecting rod assembly attached to said crankshaft andconfigured to rotate said crankshaft, said second output shaftoperatively connected to said work object so as to rotate said workobject.
 15. The reciprocating motor according to claim 11 furthercomprising a means interconnecting said first output shaft with saidswitching means for controlling operation and timing of said switchingmeans.
 16. The reciprocating motor according to claim 15, wherein saidcontrolling means is a cam.
 17. The reciprocating motor according toclaim 11, wherein said shaft has a tubular chamber at least at saidfirst end and said second end of said shaft, said first permanent magnethaving a first extension member extending into said tubular chamber fromsaid first end of said shaft, said second permanent magnet having asecond extension member extending into said tubular chamber from saidsecond end of said shaft.
 18. The reciprocating motor according to claim17, wherein an inward end of said first extension member is in spacedapart relation with an inward end of said second extension member todefine a gap between said first extension member and said secondextension member in said tubular chamber of said shaft.
 19. Amagnetically actuated reciprocating motor, comprising: a frame defininga chamber therein; a magnetic actuator fixedly supported by said frame,said magnetic actuator having an elongated shaft with a first end and asecond end, a first permanent magnet at said first end of said shaft anda second permanent magnet at said second end of said shaft, said firstpermanent magnet having an end disposed toward said first end of saidsolenoid that is magnetically charged with an actuator polarity that isone of a first polarity and a second polarity, said second permanentmagnet having and end disposed toward said second end of said solenoidthat magnetically charged with said actuator polarity; a solenoidassembly reciprocatively disposed over said shaft of said magneticactuator, said solenoid assembly comprising a solenoid having a firstend, an opposite directed second end, a spool with a center sectiondisposed between said first end and said second end of said solenoid anda coil of wire wrapped around said center section, said spool made outof one or more nonferromagnetic materials with no ferromagnetic core,said center section having a generally open center therethrough, saidshaft of said magnetic actuator received through said open center toallow said solenoid assembly to reciprocate relative to said magneticactuator, said solenoid configured to have said first polarity at saidfirst end and said second polarity at said second end in a firstenergized state and said second polarity at said first end and saidfirst polarity at said second end in a second energized state; a sourceof power electrically connected to said solenoid to energize saidsolenoid; switching means electrically interconnecting said source ofpower and said solenoid for alternatively switching said solenoidbetween said first energized state and said second energized state;means operatively connected to said magnetic actuator for convertingreciprocating movement of said magnetic actuator to rotate a workobject, said converting means comprising at least a first output shaft;and means interconnecting said first output shaft with said switchingmeans for controlling operation and timing of said switching means. 20.The reciprocating motor according to claim 19, wherein said shaft has atubular chamber in said shaft, said first permanent magnet having afirst extension member with an inward end extending into said tubularchamber from said first end of said shaft, said second permanent magnethaving a second extension member with an inward end extending into saidtubular chamber from said second end of said shaft, said inward end ofsaid first extension member in spaced apart relation with said inwardend of said second extension member to define a gap between said firstextension member and said second extension member in said tubularchamber of said shaft.